The State Journal
OPINION
Friday’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court that the nation’s highest court has
decided to hear the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s appeal is welcomed news for supporters of
the $7.8 billion project.
Sidelined by the U.S. Fourth Circuit’s ruling that revoked a crucial permit for the 600-mile
pipeline — all over a small portion of the pipe — Dominion Energy and other developers
had been anxiously waiting to learn if their appeal would be heard.
“The Supreme Court’s acceptance of our petition is a very encouraging sign and provides a
clear path forward to resolve this important issue,” said Aaron Ruby, spokesman for the
Atlantic Coast Pipeline developers. “The law and the facts are on our side, and we’re supported by a broad coalition of
stakeholders. The U.S. Solicitor General, 16 state Attorneys General and more than a
dozen industry and labor organizations all agree that the U.S. Forest Service has the
authority to approve our Appalachian Trail crossing.”
Ruby says it is difficult to understand the ruling against the pipeline when at least 50
other pipelines already cross the trail.
“More than 50 other pipelines cross underneath the Appalachian Trail without disturbing
its public use,” Ruby said. “The public interest requires a clear process for the issuance
and renewal of permits for such pipelines, and other essential infrastructure.
“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline should be no different. In fact, the pipeline will be installed
more than 600 feet below the surface and more than a half-mile from each side of the
Trail to avoid any impacts.”
Opponents of the crossing have argued that the U.S. Forest Service wasn’t able to grant
the permit. They also say the pipeline is “costly, unneeded, dangerous, and will only add
to our greenhouse gas emission problems,” according to a news release from the
Southern Environmental Law Center.
Without a doubt, environmental concerns must be weighed with development, but in
terms of need, we disagree that the pipeline is unneeded.
In fact, not only is the pipeline needed to move natural gas to marketplaces that need it
to fuel their homes and businesses, stoking multiple state economies, the pipeline is
desperately needed in West Virginia, where delays have cost about 4,000 well-paying
natural gas industry jobs.”
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is more important now than ever,” Ruby said. “The economic
vitality, environmental health and energy security of our region depend on it.
“Communities across Hampton Roads, Virginia and eastern North Carolina are
experiencing chronic shortages of natural gas. The region urgently needs new
infrastructure to support the U.S. military, manufacturing, home heating and cleaner
electricity as we move away from coal. We remain committed to this project and are
confident it will be completed.”
As we’ve written in the past, the pipeline, as well as others in development, serve to
further the ability to use our abundant supply of natural gas to power the country in a
more environmentally and economically friendly fashion.
And the use of natural gas, combined with coal and renewable energy sources like wind,
solar and water, will continue our country on a sustainable pathway of energy
independence.
In a world full of angst and turmoil, it is comforting to consider the nation’s enhanced
security and stability if we are independent of other countries and their rulers’ whims and
ways.
For now, a combined portfolio of energy sources led by natural gas, but including coal,
nuclear, solar, wind and water are the best option.
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is an important part of the equation. And while it will be early
2020 before the case is heard and likely June 2020 before a decision is rendered, it is
heartening to know the High Court sees fit to address the issue once and for all.
Read the full article and more in The State Journal.